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THREAD: Final comments on Ilhan Omar & AIPAC controversy: many Muslim Americans feel there's a double standard when it comes to them being singled out for critical comments of Israel. This doesn't excuse the use of anti-Semitism in any way, but there's a pattern here. 1/
Just compare the outrage directed towards Ilhan Omar, and previously Rashida Tlaib and even Keith Ellison, who btw is against BDS, compared to Republican Christians and their use of anti-Semitic language and tropes. Look at the ‘18 midterms. Example: thinkprogress.org/congress-repub… 2/
There's something called Campus Watch that identifies & catalogues students on campuses who are seen as critical of Israel (& thus anti-Semitic). Canary Mission is another one. The people who often promote these sites have a very troubling track record of anti-Muslim bigotry. 3/
Due to the Israel-Palestine conflict, there’s a feeling among these circles that any empowered Muslim somehow is a threat to Jews and Israel. Under the guise of national security, some of the most heinous anti-Muslim conspiracy theories have been promoted & tolerated. 4/
We identified the Islamophobia Industry in 2011: the funders, think tanks, grassroots communities, religious groups, politicians and media players that promote such anti Muslim hate and fear. Many are close to the Trump Administration. (Awesome!) americanprogress.org/issues/religio… 5/
This zero-sum, absolutist approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, call it what you will, often inspires some of the worst demons to rise from various communities, rationalizing hateful tropes and stereotypes. Why? Because the ends justify the means: survival & justice. 6/
Anti-Semitism is used to win political points by Republicans who actively promote it or willfully turn a blind eye when its done by their team (Trump, Steve King, the Soros conspiracy theory.) Some Israel supporters give them a pass, but never Muslims who have done far less. 7/
Sadly what some Muslims & Jews don’t realize is that White supremacy is driven by anti semitism & increasingly Islamophobia. They use it as fuel for their ideology & propaganda. They believe powerful Jews use Muslims & immigrants to replace Whites & Western civilization. 8/
We should use this moment to unite over shared values, not have ridiculous litmus tests for simple conversations. We have to disempower hatemongers among us & find a way to educate each other on how we can partner against the gravest danger to all of us: White Supremacy. 9/
Finally, all of us should be morally consistent. If you truly care about anti-semitism and bigotry, then address it, especially in your own community & in yourself. Do the same for Islamophobia & racism. If not, you’re being a hypocrite & deserve to be called out for it. END.
Also, never forget the Tree of Life Synagogue shooter, who killed 11 Jews, reposted: “Open you Eyes! It’s the filthy EVIL jews Bringing the Filthy EVIL Muslims into the Country!!” That's the result of a White supremacist ideology & anti-Semitic Soros theory - promoted by Trump.
